Japhet, in Search of a Father eBook

Chapter XIV

In which Melchior talks
very much like an astrologer, and Tim and I
return to our old trade
of making up innocent prescriptions.

We had taken our horses for the next town; but as
soon as we were fairly on the road, I stopped the
boys, and told them that the Great Aristodemus intended
to observe the planets and stars that night, and that
they were to proceed to a common which I mentioned.
The post-boys, who were well aware of his fame, and
as fully persuaded of it as everybody else, drove
to the common; we descended, took off the luggage,
and received directions from Melchior in their presence
about the instruments, to which the boys listened
with open mouths and wonderment. I paid them
well, and told them they might return, which they appeared
very glad to do. They reported what had occurred,
and this simple method of regaining our camp, added
to the astonishment of the good town of ——.
When they were out of sight we resumed our usual clothes,
packed all up, carried away most of our effects, and
hid the others in the furze to be sent for the next
night, not being more than two miles from the camp.
We soon arrived, and were joyfully received by Fleta
and Nattee.

As we walked across the common, I observed to Melchior,
“I wonder if these stars have any influence
upon mortals, as it was formerly supposed?”

I made the above remark, as I had often thought that
such was Melchior’s idea.

“Yes,” continued he, “every man
has his destiny—­such must be the case.
It is known beforehand what is to happen to us by an
Omniscient Being, and being known, what is it but
destiny which cannot be changed? It is fate,”
continued he, surveying the stars with his hand raised
up, “and that fate is as surely written there
as the sun shines upon us; but the great book is sealed,
because it would not add to our happiness.”

“If, then, all is destiny, or fate, what inducement
is there to do well or ill?” replied I.
“We may commit all acts of evil, and say, that
as it was predestined, we could not help it.
Besides would it be just that the Omniscient Being
should punish us for those crimes which we cannot
prevent, and which are allotted to us by destiny?”

“Japhet, you argue well; but you are in error,
because, like most of those of the Christian Church,
you understand not the sacred writings, nor did I
until I knew my wife. Her creed is, I believe,
correct; and what is more, adds weight to the truths
of the Bible.”

“I thought that gipsies had no religion.”

“You are not the only one who supposes so.
It is true that the majority of the tribe are held
by the higher castes as serfs, and are not instructed;
but with—­if I may use the expression—­the
aristocracy of them it is very different, and their
creed I have adopted.”